New here... and questions about outbreaks- please help!

[tanascrib]

Hi All,

I posted on another board the other day and didn't get a response. I have had HSV symptoms for several years now- have talked to my OB before and she said that it sounds like herpes but they would have to culture when I have an OB. Went this past Monday to have a culture and she said it didn't look like 'normal' herpes to her but I did have all of the symptoms.

I am scared and would like some reassurance from others that actually have some of the same symptoms that I will be ok.

My immune system seems to be down lately- I had a UTI this summer- for about 4-6 weeks before they diagnosed it. Then I got a cold that has lasted 4 weeks- then I got a herpes outbreak last week and now I feel like another one is coming on again!

Does anyone get a stiff neck, sore throat and cold symptoms (sinus pressure and tight chest) with their outbreaks? Then I get the sore on my bum. My gland on my right side in my groin area also swells and becomes very sore to the touch. Now as of yesterday, I started to get the sore throat again- stiff neck and my gland on the right side is sore to touch.... errr!

I am scared because if my immune system is so low and I am under so much stress right now- could I be more apt to get menagitis or herpes encepalitis?

Please help me - I am scared!

[Justice]

It's very scary when you don't have the answers to your questions. As I look back I do notice that my immune system has been "down" what other symptoms I'm having that MIGHT be caused by the HSV is beyond me, as I'm still learning myself. I'm comforted in knowing that HSV will not kill me. That's all I really know for sure right now. I hope that someone can come along soon and provide you with some answers....

[pookieface]

Well, I don't know if I really have the answers that you are looking for but maybe my experience might help you a little bit

Concerning your question about a general feeling of unwellness right before an outbreak, I've read that you can have cold/flu like symptoms right before an outbreak or during one.

"Flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen lymph glands in the groin, may also follow the initial infection."

I took the above quote from the site www.webmd.com. There is a lot of useful information on that site about genital herpes so maybe you could look around there and that might be helpful for you.

I know that I had my very first outbreak at the same time I had strep throat. This outbreak was TERRIBLE. I could barely sit, walk, or go to the bathroom without the pain being excruciating. So there I was, diagnosed with strep throat, unable to eat or swallow, having my first herpes ob. (I thought I was having a terrible yeast infection at the time, but it was only months later when I was tested for herpes did I realize that it was my first herpes outbreak) My point in telling you this is that when your immunse system is compromised, as mine was when I had strep throat, you are more likely to have a herpes ob. So it is crucial to keep yourself in good health and try to have as little stress as possible so you can stay away from outbreaks.

I don't know if any of that helps you at all, but if you have any more questions just fire away, and also do some research online! I wish you only the best!!! Don't be scared, just read up, get a little more information and the worries will start to go away.